I think everybody will agree that it's been an absolutely cracking season, beyond most people's expectation. We all started out with high aspirations, as we do with at the start of any season, but things have certainly gone better than I might have expected. Everybody bemoans the play-offs but when you're involved in them, there's nothing better.

From a personal point of view, nothing would have been further from my thoughts at the start of the season than being Chairman as the club enters the play-offs. I think it's probably more a case of despite the fact that I've been appointed Chairman that the Club has done incredibly well! It's a huge buzz for me and something that I'm just so delighted to be involved in.

The fans have had plaudits throughout the season, and they continue to amaze and delight in equal measure. The staff of the Football Club have worked almost literally around the clock; it's almost a 24/7 effort to get the game staged and get the tickets sold, and they definitely deserve a huge vote of thanks from the Board of Directors and myself. And the players and the manager have maintained a terrific level of performance right throughout the season. I certainly believe that they've got it within them just to squeeze out another two big performances for us.

So many factors mean you can't control who you face in the play-offs so I'm pleased for the fans because a trip to Exeter on a Bank Holiday weekend would have been a tortuous journey. Burton is a much more straightforward journey. I also think that we've had some good encounters with Burton over the last couple of years, so the play-off matches will be two very competitive ones.

We were delighted last week to announce the rebranding of the stadium as The Trade Recruitment Stadium. We've worked closely and very successfully over the last few months with Trade Recruitment, who are a major player in recruitment locally. We have a number of fans and people involved with the club who are closely associated with Trade Recruitment and I think it's an alliance that is going to be in the very best interests of both the Football Club and Trade Recruitment.

While it's only right and proper that the fine detail of the deal is kept as the business of the two companies, suffice it to say it is a cracking deal for the Football Club. It's an area of business that a lot of Football Clubs are exploring at the moment, and in terms of improving the non-footballing revenue of the club it's a terrific deal.

The other announcement I am delighted to be able to make, for anyone who is not already aware, is that Jimmy and his wife Emma had a baby son last week. I know Jimmy is so proud and so bowled over with the addition to his family and everyone at the club sends their very best wishes to Jimmy, Emma and Alexander James.

Finally, whatever happens tonight it's been a fantastic season. Let's hope there's one more game still to come later this month - with the right outcome. In the meantime, thanks for your support this season and have a good summer.

Philip Law
Chairman

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